The 15 Best Movies Since 2020 (So Far), Ranked According to IMDb (2024)

2020 marked the rise of a worldwide pandemic, which continued through 2021 and 2022. The pandemic hit the filmmaking business hard, delaying many high-profile projects and releasing others to a much smaller audience, severely affecting their chance at the box office. Despite the dire situation, the film industry showed remarkable resistance and endurance. Fewer movies came out, but some were among the most acclaimed in recent memory.

Fans on IMDb have rated the decade's releases, voting for what they believe are the best movies from the 2020s so far. From animated gems like Soul to blockbuster sci-fi adventures like Dune, these movies defied the odds, providing audiences with entertainment and inspiration through this remarkable time. Film lovers on IMDb have given these releases their seal of approval, granting them high rankings and cementing their place as the best films from the 2020s so far.

15 'Soul' (2020)

IMDb Score: 8.0/10

A computer-animated fantasy comedy-drama movie, Soul centers on a middle school teacher and jazz pianist named Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx). After accidentally entering a coma just before getting his big break as a musician, Joe sets out to bring his split spirit and body back together.

Soul is a serious and existential animated family movie that goes beyond the usual theological, psychological, and emotional territory covered in Pixar movies. It also has a tender disposition, some nice laughter, and an even kinder heart. Soul is powered by Jamie Foxx's astounding performance, proving that Pixar is still a business that operates in its own unique way, and that can only be a good thing.

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14 'The Holdovers' (2023)

IMDb Score: 8.0/10

The Holdovers follows the story of Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti), a strict and lonely instructor at a New England prep school in the '70s who is tasked with overlooking the students who are stuck on campus for the holidays. While initially annoyed with these duties, he quickly forms a bond with Angus (Dominic Sessa), one of the students who vehemently hates the idea of being stuck on campus during the holidays. The two somehow find some level of comfort over the holidays thanks to their unexpected friendship, further amplified by the company of the school's head chef, Mary Lamb (Da'Vine Joy Randolph).

The Holdovers has all of the tone and charm of a classic '70s coming-of-age film, complete with modern hindsight and perspective that transforms the film into one that's in a league of its own. The film is oozing with a feel-good and heartfelt energy from beginning to end, even during its more emotional moments, thanks to the outstanding performances from everyone in the cast. It's easily one of the best holiday movies in recent memory, and is sure to become a yearly tradition for a multitude of audiences.

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13 'CODA' (2021)

IMDb Score: 8.0/10

Remade from the 2014 French-Belgian film La Famille Bélier, CODA follows Ruby Rossi (Emilia Jones), the titular CODA, or "child of deaf adults." The sole hearing person in her family, Ruby works to support her family's failing fishing operation while following her dream to be a singer.

CODA seeks to close the gap between the parallels and differences it finds while telling a tale of struggle, development, and exploration. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, with Troy Kotsur earning the statuette for Best Supporting Actor. CODA is an emotional coming-of-age tale that may cause spectators to cry; however, it additionally inspires viewers and makes them feel wonderful since there is so much more goodness in the world.

CODA

PG-13

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As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Ruby is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family's fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her passion at Berklee College of Music and her fear of abandoning her parents.

Release Date

January 28, 2021

Director

Sian Heder

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Cast

Emilia Jones , Eugenio Derbez , Troy Kotsur , Ferdia Walsh-Peelo , Daniel Durant , Marlee Matlin

Runtime

111

Main Genre

Drama

12 'Dune' (2021)

IMDb Score: 8.0/10

Based on the first half of the 1965 novel of the same name by Frank Herbert, Dune follows the story of a gifted young man, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet). Along with his family, Paul must travel to the barren planet of Arrakis, where the only supply of the universe's most precious psychotropic drug, spice, and the people who take them, Fremen, can be found. To keep his family, the House Atreides, and the people safe, Paul must face the deadly planet to fulfill the destiny he was born to do.

Denis Villeneuve's Dune is a cerebral sci-fi film with an epic scope, mind-blowing action scenes, and breathtaking cinematography. The film was a box-office hit, grossing $434 million worldwide despite a day-and-date release on Max. Moreover, Villeneuve used the screenplay's slow, deliberative pace to highlight the novel's key scenes and plot points, along with brilliant world-building that fans of the book cannot help but gasp.

Dune

PG-13

Where to Watch

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Release Date

October 22, 2021

Director

Denis Villeneuve

Cast

Rebecca Ferguson , Zendaya Coleman , Jason Momoa , Timothee Chalamet , Josh Brolin , David Dastmalchian

Runtime

155 Minutes

Main Genre

Sci-Fi

11 'Past Lives' (2023)

IMDb Score: 8.1/10

Celine Song's feature directorial debut, Past Lives, is a riveting and emotionally charged romantic drama. It traces the journey of two childhood friends, Na Young (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), and their evolving relationship spanning 24 years as they grapple with the changes in their lives and slowly grow apart. The plot draws inspiration from real events in Song's life and is semi-autobiographical in nature.

Past Lives is realistically subtle and understated, occasionally veering into the ordinary but ultimately reflecting the complexities of lives through a universal tale of life choices. It captivates viewers, particularly in its climactic, emotionally draining moments. A further aspect of the movie's charm is the way the camera seems to caress the landscape of the desolate cities while it catches their beauty.

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10 'Demon Slayer: Mugen Train' (2020)

IMDb Score: 8.2/10

The first cinematic feature film of the massively popular Demon Slayer anime, Mugen Train takes place directly after the events of Season 1, and sees Tanjirō and his friends boarding the Infinity Train. While on the train, they meet up with fellow hunter Rengoku to take down the mysterious and dangerous demon who has been killing people aboard the train. The demon proves to be more powerful than anything Tanjirō has faced before, as he will have to look deep within himself to find the courage and strength to defeat the demon.

While many anime films reserve themselves to only being especially entertaining to fans of the original series, Mugen Train is the rare example that stands high and mighty as its own experience. This also coincides with the film's importance as a pivotal chapter of the Demon Slayer series, as opposed to many other anime movies being a non-canon venture with no real narrative weight. Combined with being able to amplify and provide the already stellar animation of Demon Slayer with a theatrical budget, the final product is a beautiful action-packed sight to behold.

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9 'The Father' (2020)

IMDb Score: 8.2/10

The Father follows Anthony (Anthony Hopkins), a Londoner, who is reluctant to tell his daughter Anne (Olivia Colman) that he can no longer take care of himself. He changes from being endearing to disrespectful when Anne brings in a nurse. One day, Anthony awakens confused in a house he is unfamiliar with, and it is then that he realizes how reality is slipping from his grasp.

Harrowing and thought-provoking, The Father is a challenging movie to watch. However, the daring decisions, the emotional transparency, the sharp, precise storytelling, and Hopkins's outstanding performance make every second worthwhile. Moreover, it has a superb script, not just because of the excellent dialogue but because it plays with the viewer's perceptions and understanding.

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8 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' (2021)

IMDb Score: 8.2/10

Serving as the third installment in the same-name franchise in the MCU, Spider-Man: No Way Home continues to follow the titular character (Tom Holland) as he asks Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to employ magic to keep his identity as Spider-Man a secret once more following his public disclosure at the conclusion of Far From Home. Parker's constant interruption causes the magic to fail, which opens up the multiverse and lets people from other realities invade Parker's world.

True to form, Spider-Man: No Way Home is a heartfelt, open love letter to the Spider-Man franchise. The movie is emotionally charged, hits hard, and is darker than the previous installments for a good cause. Fans cannot help but reflect deeply on Spider-Man's significance. MCU once again proves that their movies don't need to be lighthearted and fun.

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7 'The Rescue' (2021)

IMDb Score: 8.3/10

One of the most critically acclaimed and beloved documentary films in recent memory, The Rescue tells the amazing real-life story of the rescue of a Thai soccer team that was trapped in a cave fo 16 days. It serves to chronicle the ever-present tension, chaos, and capabilities surrounding the multitude of rescue attempts in one of the most legendary and miraculous rescue operations in recent memory.

From the same directors and team behind National Geographic's previous smash hit documentary, Free Solo, The Rescue perfectly blends breathtaking ecological visuals with its undeniably compelling narrative. Especially compared to how so many modern streaming service documentaries tell their story, The Rescue's simple yet brilliant chronological display of the events further amplifies the emotional aspects of its story.

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6 'Hamilton' (2020)

IMDb Score: 8.3/10

Based on the 2004 book Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, Hamilton recounts the actual life of Alexander Hamilton (Lin-Manuel Miranda), the first Secretary of the Treasury and one of America's most important founding fathers. With the original Broadway cast, the movie was filmed live on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

The idea is anything but a gimmick; Hamilton is a dynamic, heart-stopping masterwork that harnesses contemporary culture to portray historical facts. The film does a lot for fans who cannot access the original live show but still be able to experience one of the best plays of the 21st century with a varied ensemble portraying America today and amazing visuals.

Hamilton

Musical

Where to Watch

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Release Date

July 3, 2020

Director

Thomas Kail

Cast

Lin-Manuel Miranda , Phillipa Soo , Daveed Diggs , Renee Elise Goldsberry , Jonathan Groff , Christopher Jackson , Leslie Odom Jr.

Runtime

2 hr 40 min

Main Genre

Musical

5 'Godzilla Minus One' (2023)

IMDb Score: 8.3/10

The latest powerful and jaw-dropping film in the Godzilla franchise, Godzilla Minus One reimagines the kaiju's origins, taking place just after Japan's defeat in World War II, focusing on the country's post-war struggles. The film specifically follows the perspective of Koichi Shikishima, a failed kamikaze pilot who is attempting to do what he can to build his life back up from the destruction left behind by both the war-torn economy and Godzilla himself.

While there have been many giant monster movies that have certainly had high levels of spectacle and destruction on display, what made Godzilla Minus One connect with so many audiences is its human characters. The film is one of the few examples of a monster movie with a human storyline that actually adds and further amplifies the themes and messaging of the film, creating a beautiful blend that makes the actual Godzilla sequences that much more impactful. The film proved that there were still a multitude of beautiful and resonating stories to be told in the monster movie genre that go beyond action simply for the sake of action.

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4 'Top Gun: Maverick' (2022)

IMDb Score: 8.3/10

Serving as a sequel to the 1986 film Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick continues to follow Pete "Maverick" Mitchell (Tom Cruise), who is forced to face his innermost fears and the ghosts from the past. Now a reluctant teacher for a new generation of pilots, Maverick must deal with a dangerous missing while facing Rooster, the son of his late best friend, Goose.

Top Gun: Maverick is visually and emotionally rewarding in ways uncommon for modern blockbusters. Elevated by Tom Cruise's now-legendary commitment to envelope-pushing action, the film excels as breathtaking and emotionally gripping entertainment. Top Gun: Maverick quickly became a cultural phenomenon and was the second-highest-grossing film of 2022, behind only Avatar: The Way of Water. Moreover, even while it follows the same conventional narrative beats and expected character arcs as the original, the simplified plot has been given a carefree air that complements and enhances the visual show.

Top Gun: Maverick

PG-13

Where to Watch

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Release Date

May 27, 2022

Director

Joseph Kosinski

Cast

Jennifer Connelly , Tom Cruise , Monica Barbaro , Jon Hamm , Ed Harris , Val Kilmer

Runtime

146

Main Genre

Action

3 'Poor Things' (2023)

IMDb Score: 8.4/10

One of many masterful and abstract masterpieces from director Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things follows the story of Bella Baxter (Emma Stone), a young woman who was brought back to life thanks to a wild unorthodox scientist. As she relearns and reexperiences the beauties and difficulties of life once again, Bella soon comes to a greater understanding not only of her role in the world, but how the world as a whole operates around her.

Poor Things is a film that simply doesn't hold back when it comes to the vibrant and absurdity of its world and characters, allowing its strange and mind-melting execution to take a commanding hold of the audience's attention. It can just as easily delve into deep and philosophical topics such as life and the balance of society as it can go full absurdist and raunchy comedy with the scenes that take place. It makes for a difficult yet powerful balancing act that the film does just right, easily making it one of the most standout viewing experiences of the decade so far.

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2 'Oppenheimer' (2023)

IMDb Score: 8.4/10

Adapted from the 2005 biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, Oppenheimer explores the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy). The plot emphasizes his academic pursuits, his leadership of the Manhattan Project during World War II, and his subsequent downfall during the 1954 security hearing.

Oppenheimer is a mythic, monumental achievement by Christopher Nolan, with Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. delivering career-best performances in what stands as the most significant movie of the decade. The movie is unquestionably a cinematic masterpiece of the highest caliber, earning high marks from critics - currently standing at 93% on Rotten Tomatoes - and audiences - grossing over $900 million worldwide. The film meticulously crafts a sensory journey that reimagines a historically significant event, making it not only relevant but transcendent.

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1 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' (2023)

IMDb Score: 8.6/10

Continuing the story in the first installment released in 2018, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse takes place in a shared multiverse of parallel universes known as the Spider-Verse. To battle a new force of evil that is more potent than anything they have ever faced, Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) must join forces with Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) and a new band of Spider-People across the Multiverse while dealing with his own demons.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is an incredible and groundbreaking accomplishment in animation. It takes audiences on an exhilarating and more intense adventure filled with astonishing revelations that make it a sequel that's just as good as its predecessor, or even better. In addition to its impressive visual effects, the second installment maintains its exceptional character development, showcasing well-crafted and heartfelt tributes to the titular character. Furthermore, the film outperforms No Way Home in its approach to introducing and exploring the multiverse, providing the audience with a deeper comprehension of this intricate concept.

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NEXT: The Best Films of 2022